Faculty Profile

Tom Ehren

Tom Ehren is a clinical instructor specializing in the evaluation and treatment of school-age children with language-based reading and writing disorders. Mr. Ehren is also a Board Recognized Specialist in Child Language in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He holds a Master’s of Science in Communication Disorders, which included courses in both education and science tracks, qualifying him for Florida teacher certification and national clinical certification. Mr. Ehren supervises 16-20 graduate students every semester in UCF’s teaching clinic in Research Park. He also supervises students at a local preschool and teaches a course on reading and writing disabilities each summer. He has published chapters in several textbooks, articles in a number of journals, and has made professional presentations in the U.S. and Europe. He recently sponsored eight students who presented a poster at a national convention. 

Debra Knox

Debra Knox is a member of the clinical faculty and the Coordinator of the Board of Clinical Educators, supporting the clinical education of graduate students pursuing their degree in speech and language pathology. She describes guiding students through the therapeutic process and supporting them in their professional growth as one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. Ms. Knox received her Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech Pathology from Florida State University followed by her Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University. Before coming to UCF, Ms. Knox was the director of a non-profit hearing and speech center in Miami where she gained extensive experience in fund development, grant writing and community partnerships. Through her clinical work, she has had two clients featured in United Way Miami Dade’s Campaign videos (2005 and 2012) for their unique stories and communication successes.

Ms. Knox has received consecutive awards for Continuing Education from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association since 2003. She is also an active member of numerous boards and committees including Secretary for the Young Children with Special Needs and Disabilities Council, Vice President for the National Association of Speech and Hearing Centers, Chair for the Advisory Board for the Florida International University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, United Way Miami Dade Agency Executives Public Policy Committee and the United Way Miami Dade Community Investments Committee.

Bari Hoffman Ruddy, PhD CCC-SLP

Bari Hoffman Ruddy, PhD CCC-SLP conducts research in the area of voice and upper airway disorders. She has published and presented nationally and internationally on the physiologic study of voice production in pediatric, professional, and neurogenic populations implementing methods of endoscopy, acoustics and aerodynamics. In her classes on voice and motor speech disorders, she incorporates hands-on experiences for her students with sophisticated instrumentation, involves students in community outreach activities for head and neck cancer prevention and provides exposure to local support groups for various neurogenic populations. Dr. Hoffman Ruddy takes great pride in her students and enjoys mentoring them through their clinical and research interests. 

In addition to conducting research and teaching in the area of voice and upper airway disorders, Dr. Hoffman Ruddy works clinically at the UCF Communication Disorders Clinic which houses the David B. Ingram Voice Care Center, serving the needs of children and adults with voice disorders. Her current research involves the use of expiratory muscle strength training for individuals with head and neck cancer. This work is a collaborative project with Florida Hospital Cancer Institute and The Ear Nose and Throat Surgical Associates. Another current project includes 3D computer modeling of upper and lower airway function in patients with non-small cell lung cancer in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, Orlando.

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